Switch



F. J. WATTS Nov. 2, 1937.

SWITCH Filed Aug. 6, 1936 INVENTOR. Z J/X CZ VVCaf/is Patented Nov. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SWITCH Ohio Application August 6,

10 Claims.

The main objects of this invention are:

' First, to provide means whereby a plurality of switch blades may be pivotally actuated together, enabling the blades to readily seat themselves between the lips of the stationary contacts adapted to receive the blades.

Second, to provide a device of the type described, comprising a coupling bar of insulating material, preferably of fibrous nature, adapted to receive a plurality of coupling blades and permit lateral movement of the blades relative thereto, although preventing other relative movement.

Third, to provide a device of the type described, which is strong and durable and at the same time economical to produce.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the-claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a switch box with the cover open, illustrating the structure of this invention.

Fig. 2 is arr-enlarged fragmentary view in horizontal section on line 22 of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction-of my switch bar-and the manner of connecting it with operating elements associated therewith.

Fig.3 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of my switch coupling bar per se.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on line 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. -5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner in which my device functions during operation.

In multiple switches of a type commonly employed, a considerable difficulty is sometimespresented by the fact that the individual switches are not always properly alined with the lips of the receiving contacts, resulting in the fact that when means is provided, as is ordinarily the'case, for simultaneously actuating the switch blades, a proper registry thereof with the receiving contacts is not effected. Proposals have been made to eliminate this difiiculty, such as the use of a loose connection between the individual switch blades and the actuating means therefor. However, devices of known types do not always function efficiently and are usually more complicated than is desirable in switching assemblies of the type under consideration.

' The device of my'invention accomplishes the purpose for which it is designed admirably, inas- 1936, Serial No; 94,518

much as it'permits a lateral shifting of the individual blades whereby they may be properly alined at the time of making contact between the conventional contact lips receiving the blades. The construction is, further, extremely simple in nature 5 and may be fabricated of inexpensive materials and byv elementary operations.

Referring to the drawing,'reference numeral l indicates a switch box in open position having a panel 2 mounted therein on which the switch ele- 10 ments are mounted. Stationary contacts are indicated by the'reference numeral 3, being adapted to pivotally support knife blades 4 at the point 5.

As will be readily understood, current is supplied to the contacts 3 from binding posts 6, if desired, 15 through fuses. I of ordinary construction.

Contacts 3 are in the form of a pair of spaced lips of rounded configuration whereby lateral shifting, together with oscillatory movement, of the blades 4 is permitted. Apair of compleg mental stationary contacts 8 of similar nature are secured in spaced relation to contacts 3 in the usual manner.

For the purpose of properly alining blades 4 relative to the pairs of contacts 8 so as to insure the proper seating of the blades within the contact lips, while at the same time permitting the blades to be simultaneously actuated, I provide a coupling or cross bar 9 of a suitable nonconducting material such, for example, as hard fiber. The bar 9 is provided with a plurality of openings generally indicated l0, corresponding in number to the number of switch blades which are to be actuated by the coupling. The coupling bar is punched from sheet stock to provide openings l0.

Each opening I0 consists of a primary portion adapted to receive the switch blade and therefore corresponding in general dimensions to the cross sectional dimensions of the blade, the primary portion being indicated by the reference numeral l l. Communicating with one side of opening portion H, I provide a restricted portion l2 which is adapted to position the blade in its operative mounting. In order to fit within restricted portion l2, blade 4 is notched on its upper and lower sides 13, the width of the blade between the slots corresponding approximately to the length of the portion ll of opening I0. Thus, it will be seen that although longitudinal movement of the blades relative to or transversely of bar 9 is prohibited, because of the interlocking engagement of the blades and slots in that direction, limited lateral movement of the blades relative to the coupling bar is permitted. Accordingly, upon be- The cross bar 9 is provided with a further aper- V ture 14 wherein is suitably rigidly secured an arm 15 having an oifset at its outer end slotted at Hi. The slot receives the crank portion of lever l1 pivoted at 18 in the side walls of the switch box and provided with a handle l9. Slotted end' l6 may engage the shipper lever loosely or snugly as is desired, the only requisite being that the lever handle I 9. Stops 2B limit themovement of the lever.

Panel 2 is rigidly secured in" switch box I by means of screws 2|.

I have described cross bar 9 as being preferably of fibrous insulating material. Suchconstruction is preferable due to the relative cheapness of such: material. However, it will be understood that, if desired, the bar may be of any other or conducting material if arm'l5 is of an insulating.

material or insulated from the cross bar.

The details of my device have been explained in a way to make its manner of operation clear. Blades 4 are oscillated into or out of conducting relation with contacts 8 and seat and unseat quicklyzand efficiently without interference, due to thefact that the blades readily shift laterally in the coupling bar 9 through which motion is transmitted to the blades. The structure is rugged and long-lived, as well as being exceedingly inexpensiveof production.

' I have illustrated and described my improvements in:an embodiment which'I'have found very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations as is is believed this disclosure will.enable those skilled'in the'art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired. V

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a switch mechanism, the combination of a plurality of switch blades, a plurality of contacts pivotally supporting said blades, a plurality of pairs of complemental contacts for receiving said blades, means for simultaneously actuating said blades, comprising an actuating lever provided with a crank disposed transversely of said blades, across bar having keyhole slots receiving said blades, the blades-having opposed notches in their edges to receive the reduced portions of said slots, the slots'permitting limited lateral movement of the blades, the notches in the blades preventing movement of the cross bar. longitudinally of the blades, and an upwardly projecting arm on said cross bar slotted to receive the crank'of said actuating lever;

2. In aswitch mechanism, the combination of a plurality'of switch blades, a plurality of contacts pivotally supporting saidblades, a plurality of complemental contacts for receiving said blades, means for simultaneously actuating said blades, comprising an actuating lever provided with a crank disposed transversely of said blades, 2. cross bar having slots receiving said blades, the blades having opposed notches in their edges to receive reduced portions of said slots, the notches in the blades preventing movement of the cross bar longitudinally of the blades, and an upwardly pro- J'ecting arm onsaid cross bar loosely engaging the crank of said actuating lever.

" 3.1'A switch mechanism comprising a plurality of pivoted switch blades, a plurality of pairs of contacts adapted to receive said blades, means for actuating said blades, comprising a cross bar of insulating material having blade receiving slots, each of said slots having an elongated portion of such dimensions as to permit the blades to be introduced longitudinally therein, and a reduced portion of less width than the width of the blades, the blades being notched to receive the edges of said reduced portions, an actuating lever provided with a crank, and an arm on said a cross bar having slotted engagement with said positively shift the arm l5 upon oscillation of,

crank.

4. A switch mechanism comprising a plurality of pivoted switch blades, means for actuating said blades, comprising a cross bar of insulating material having blade receiving slots, each of said slots having 'an'elongated portion of such dimensions as .to permit the blades to be introduced longitudinally therein, and a reduced portion of less width than the width of the blades, the blades being notched to receive the edges of said reduced portions,'and actuating means operatively conn'ectedto said cross bar.

5. In a switch mechanism, the combination of a plurality of pivoted switch blades, contacts operatively associated therewith, means for actuating said blades, comprising a cross bar having keyhole slots receiving said blades, the blades being notched to permit the engagement thereof with the reduced portions of the slots. whereby limited lateral movement of the blades is permitted and movement of the cross bar longitudinally of the blades is prevented; an actuating lever provided with a crank portion disposed transversely of the blades, and an arm on said cross bar having slotted engagement with said crank of said actuating lever. I V

6. In a switch mechanism, the combination of a plurality of pivoted, switch blades, contacts operatively associated therewith, means for actuating said blades, comprising a cross bar having keyhole slots receiving said blades, the blades being notched to permit the engagement thereof with the reduced portions of the slots whereby limited lateral movement of the blades is permitted and movement of the cross bar longitudinally of the blades is prevented, and means for actuating said blades connected to said cross bar. r

'7. In a switch actuating device, an insulating bar having a plurality of holes punched therein,

and a plurality of switch blades received in said a plurality of holes punched therein, a plurality of switch blades received in said holes, said blades being .slotted and said holes having offset restricted portions whereby lateral movement only of the blades relative to the bar is permitted, and means for actuating said bar.

9. In a switch actuating device, a plurality of switch blades a switch bar coupling said blades and permitting lateral movement of the blades coupled thereby for simultaneous pivotal movement, said bar having a plurality of apertures therein each adapted to receive a switch blade, said apertures comprising ,an opening corresponding approximately in area to the cross sectional area of the switch blade and a more restricted opening communicating with said opening and adapted to receive a slotted portion of the blade.

10. In a switch actuating device, a switch blade and a member pivotally actuating said blade and permitting lateral movement of the switch blade, said member having an aperture therein adapted to receive a switch blade, said aperture comprising an opening corresponding approximately in area to the cross sectional area of the switch blade and a more restricted opening communicating with said opening and adapted to receive a recessed portion of the blade. I

FELIX J. WA'I'IS. 

